Shinde asks parties for suggestions on anti-rape laws

New Delhi, Dec 31: After the death of the woman who was gang-raped here, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has written to all political parties seeking their suggestions on strengthening laws pertaining to rape, official sources said.

They said Shinde has asked political parties to send their suggestions to the Justice J.S. Verma Committee, constituted to review laws to provide for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault.

The opposition BJP has demanded a special session of parliament to consider stricter laws on crimes against women, but the government said that it could be considered only after the Justice Verma Committee submits its report.

The Justice Verma Committee, set up by the government Dec 23, has been given 30 days to submit its report.